Woodland's Freeman Park set to reopen Nov. 18

As it nears Thanksgiving, park enthusiasts will have another reason to be thankful: Freeman Park will open to the public ahead of schedule.

Construction has been under way at 1001 Main St., since Aug. 12 and crews are set to take down the fencing that has been in place around the park on Nov. 18 prior to its grand opening the following day.

The extensive rehabilitation includes replacement of the in-ground irrigation system and full turf replacement. Sod was used for turf restoration rather than seeding in order to minimize the time the park being closed.

"Other enhancements include new concrete benches, picnic tables, concrete paths, new led lighting and a basketball half-court," said Assistant Engineer Clara Olmedo in an email to The Democrat. "The project was funded in the Capital Budget consisting of Measure E and Proposition 50 grant funding.

"The project also included a grant from the State Housing and Community Development for improvements at Freeman Park. The construction contract was awarded to Procida Landscape in the amount $461,363.83 and came in on budget and ahead of schedule."

The two-acre park - the setting for Woodland's Farmers Market in years past - is bordered by Main Street to the south and Court Street to the north.

Freeman Park is named after Woodland pioneer Frank Freeman, who arrived in what was then Yolo City in 1857. He purchased a dry goods store and acquired 160 acres of land.

According to the city's walking guide "Explore Historic Woodland," Freeman first petitioned for a U.S. Post Office, which his wife Gertrude wanted to name Woodland "on account of the wooded country about."

The Woodland post office was subsequently established in 1861 and Freeman was appointed postmaster. The entrepreneur continued to build shops and businesses and Woodland grew.

"As a gateway to historic downtown Woodland, the restoration of Freeman Park will enhance and beautify the east side of downtown Main Street," Olmedo added. "Additional downtown improvements are planned for 2014 with the Downtown Streetscape Project. The Yolo County Courthouse should finish construction in the Spring of 2015."